Families of September 11 is now operating as the For Action Initiative. The
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Please visit us at www.foractioninitiative.org.

Welcome

Spring is the season of renewal and change. And in the spirit of change, we would like to announce some new developments. We have launched a new format of our Children of September 11 (COS11) newsletter. This is the first time we are using an electronic format for the COS11 newsletter. Following the same format as our monthly e-newsletter, we hope to provide useful information to caregivers of children who have been affected by trauma in a more timely and efficient manner. Click here to read the Spring 2008 issue. We would also like to remind you that the Chat Program is coming to an end. There will be 2 more chat sessions and during these last sessions, we will determine the best way for participants to stay in touch.

Earlier this month, the Health Department announced a new NYC 9/11 Benefit Program. To ensure that all needs are met, the Health Department will reimburse out-of-pocket costs for mental health or substance –use treatment through a claims process similiar to any insurance benefit. New York City residents and city workers in surrounding areas can find out if they are eligible by calling 311 or visiting www.nyc.gov/9-11mentalhealth. Read the program fact sheet here.

Issues Update

Ground Zero Update

Message about the Family Viewing Room at the World Trade Center SiteThe Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA) has made a commitment to keep a small private area for the families of the September 11, 2001 victims. Many families wanted a space within the World Trade Center site. Originally that space was located on Liberty Street. As construction continues at the site, the following accommodations have been made:

The space now available from Gate 4 will be closed at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008.

This trailer (family room) will be moved in its entirety back to a Liberty Street area, with access through Gate 7. The "lower" family room will reopen on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

The PA has arranged to have photographs taken of the current space, so that we can relocate anything that may get dislodged during the move.

Before the move, a few family members will wrap and pack anything that might break during the move. Once the new location is established, we will put those articles back in their former location.

If any family member wants to remove something before the May 2nd closing, please feel free to come in and do so.

This new location is only available for about two months. During that time, a few family members and the PA will explore a new location. Again, the PA is very committed to supplying this on-site space as long as possible. If you have any questions, please contact WTCFamiliesforProperBurial@comcast.net.

Featured StoryCorps InterviewThis month, their website features an edited segment from a StoryCorps interview with Monica Ferrer. On September 11, 2001, Monique received a phone call at 9:04 a.m. from her ex-husband, Michael Trinidad, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 103rd floor of the North Tower. In this recording, Monique movingly recalls how Michael, unable to evacuate, told her that he loved her and asked her new husband to be the father of their children. Please note that some may find Monique Ferrer’s interview deeply emotional. To listen to this and other StoryCorps interviews and to learn how you can record a remembrance about your loved one, please click here.

WTC Health Update

WTC Disability: Deadline Extended for Eligible NYC EmployeesThe deadline for eligible New York City employees to file a WTC-related Notice of Participation with their retirement systems has been extended to June 14, 2009. The WTC Disability Law provides a disability retirement benefit to eligible NYC employees who became disabled by participating in the WTC rescue and recovery operations between September 11, 2001 and September 12, 2002.

WTC Rescue and Recovery Workers: Worker's Compensation DeadlineAs a reminder, the deadline to register for 9/11 worker's compensation for personnel who worked at ground zero is August 14, 2008. The new law also allows anyone who already filed a claim - but was turned down because the claim was filed too late - to re-file. If you do not register, you will not be able to file or re-file a claim. Registering now will protect your right to file a workers’ compensation claim if you become sick at any time in the future. Click to read a fact sheet regarding Workers’ Compensation Registration. Click to download the Claim Form and Instructions. People who need assistance in filing or who have questions can receive help by going to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) website at: http://www.nycosh.org/index_workers_comp.html or by contacting NYCOSH's 24/7 hotline at (866) 982-2556.

Families of September 11 encourages all those who feel their health was affected by the terror attacks of 9/11 to visit our website Health Resources page to keep abreast of new developments. The Health Resources page contains up to date information on the latest news articles, medical reports, and treatment resources related to 9/11 health issues.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum Invites Families to Assist in Honoring Those Lost on 9/11 By Helping Create an Oral History of the VictimsThe National September 11 Memorial and Museum is inviting those directly affected by the September 11th attacks help to honor the memories of each victim by participating in two core programs: the Voices of September 11th Living Memorial and the Story Corps September 11th Initiative. Both programs are designed to create first hand accounts and oral tributes to those who perished. In addition, you and your extended family and friends are welcome to help build the permanent collection of the Memorial Museum by considering the donation of photographs, memorabilia, personal effects, and other materials that are testaments to the lives and experiences of your loved ones. Click here for more information. Read Letter of Invitation.

New York State Museum Announces World Trade Center Exhibit in FranceThe New York State Museum and Le Caen Memorial in Caen, France have organized a major exhibition exploring the personal and historical significance of September 11, 2001, which will open at Le Caen Memorial June 6. The exhibition: September 11, 2001: A Global Moment will bring the story of 9/11 to Europe. Click here for more information and to read the press release.

State Farm Seeks Inspirational Men and Women for Annual Embrace Life AwardsFor the fifth year, State farm is seeking to honor those who “have renewed their lives and inspired others through their perseverance following a loss.” The Awards educate Americans on how to embrace life everyday by preparing for the future. As 2008 marks the fifth anniversary of the Awards, the contest now welcomes nominations of both men and women who have lost a spouse or parent. There will be 13 Embrace Life Awards honorees this year. We know there are many extraordinary men and women who experienced a loss as a result of 9/11 but have renewed their lives and inspired others. We encourage you to look into this award for you or someone you know. All entries must include complete information for consideration and be received before May 23, 2008. Click here for more information.

Upcoming Events

Register Now for the Final Two Chat Sessions – May 13th and June 11th 8PM ESTIt has been almost 4 years since we first launched the Chat Program and it is with sadness that we announce the closing of the program. Our funding for the program has come to an end and we will hold 2 more chat sessions. We have connected to individuals living in far reaching geographic locations including California, Hawaii, Florida, Massachusetts and other states. Despite of the distance, we have been able to reach out to others who have felt disconnected and isolated and provided a forum for those individuals to share their concerns and provide support.

We have learned valuable lessons from these chats and we will use these final sessions to say goodbye. However, every ending tends to open the door for another opportunity. During these last sessions, we will determine the best way for chat participants to keep in touch and stay connected each other through other ways. We hope that you will join us in these final chats. The next chat will be on Tuesday, May 13th, 7:45 PM EST and the Chat will start at 8:00 PM promptly.Click on the link below to enroll in the next session https://www.familiesofseptember11.org/chat2/membership_form.asp?chatID=51308 You can also enroll in the June chat by clicking here. For directions using the actual screens you will see when you enroll, click here.

Boston Logan International Airport 9/11 Memorial – Exhibition of Six Design FinalistsThe Massachusetts Port Authority ("Massport") and the 9/11 Memorial Design Advisory Committee want to acknowledge the six finalists for the Boston Logan International Airport 9/11 Memorial (the "Airport 9/11 Memorial") with an exhibition of the finalists' design concepts. The exhibition will be located at Logan Airport in the Lower Level Lobby of Terminal E. The exhibition will be open to the public 24/7 from now through May 8, 2008. For more information regarding this exhibition, please feel free to contact John Krajovic at Massport, by phone at 617-568-3559 or by email at jkrajovic@massport.com.

Tribute Center EventsPerforming TributeA staged reading created by 6 Tribute Docents that weaves together their profound 9/11 experiences and its aftermath. This event will take place on Sunday, May 4th from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. For more information, call the Tribute Center at 866-737-1184.

Collecting September 11The National September 11 Memorial Museum is building a collection of objects that tell the story of 9/11, from twisted steel, to oral histories of loss and survival, to the personal effects of workers and first responders. Join Chief Curator Jan Ramirez and Associate Curator Amy Weinstein to discover how this collection is being put together and how it will be used. Call 866-737-1184 for more information.

Tribute Center Daily Walking ToursThe Tribute Center is a project of the September 11th Widows and Victims' Families' Association. They offer daily public tours around the perimeter of the World Trade Center site led by people who lost loved ones, survivors of the attacks, lower Manhattan residents and workers, rescue workers, and volunteers who came to help. Each tour gives an overview of the events of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 and provides an opportunity for visitors to hear their guide’s personal experiences. Tours start at 120 Liberty Street and last approximately one hour. To reserve your spot on a tour, please visit the center approximately 1 hour before tour time to pick up tickets. Registration fee is $10.00 per person; children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, email volunteer@tributenyc.org or visit their website at http://www.tributewtc.org/. Schedule: Sundays- Fridays 11:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM EST; Saturdays 11:00 AM; 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00PM EST.

Feel the Music! First Responders and Veterans DayFeel the Music! comes to Manhasset for free music and art workshops for 9/11 responders, veterans and their families. Light lunch will be provided. This event will take place on Saturday, May 31st at the Church of Our Savior, One Education Drive 1901 Northern Blvd in Manhasset, NY. For more information and to register, contact Lucia Dundara at 631-427-0258 or email lucia@musicandhealing.org.

American Red Cross – Prepare NY WorkshopsPrepare New York is a free 45-minute emergency preparedness presentation teaching New York City residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. Participants walk away with an interactive CD that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan and other tools that will help any family get prepared. Also included are various brochures from the American Red Cross and the New York City Office of Emergency Management, as well as a quiz to test the attendee’s emergency preparedness knowledge. There will be upcoming workshop on May 1st 6:00 PM at 520 West 49th Street. Sign up for the workshop.

Resources

Safer WorldShow your concern and learn about how to prevent nuclear terrorism. Act now for a safer world. NTI and Families of September 11 have joined forces to raise awareness about the threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and materials so citizens can help reduce these threats. If you are interested in holding a screening of “Last Best Chance” in your community, asking your local television to air the public service announcements or learning more about the program and what you can do to help prevent nuclear terrorism, please visit the www.saferworld.org website.

New York City AWAREThis program is designed to help keep New York City residents up to date about the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's preparedness for possible public health emergencies, including those caused by terrorism. Visit the website for more information.

World Cares Center – Disaster Volunteering Training SeriesThe Disaster Volunteering training series empowers community members to take charge in their community and to collaborate effectively with emergency managers. Designed for first-time disaster volunteers, this three-module curriculum teaches resilience-building techniques for self-care and effective communication skills. The series also introduces participants to the life cycle of a disaster, the all-hazards approach to disaster management, and various organizational response systems, including: Community Emergency Response Teams, the National Response Plan, the Incident Command System (ICS 100) and the structure of the federal, state and local emergency management systems. Through this training, participants obtain the skills and knowledge needed to become “powerful volunteers” and to promote powerful volunteering to others. The DPTM staff at World Cares Center offers the introductory DVI training on a regular basis at World Cares Center’s Headquarters. To learn more, contact DPTM Program Manager Allyson Parmentier at aparmentier@worldcares.org.

Tuesday’s ChampionsTuesday's Champions is a new initiative of Tuesday’s Children, the non-profit family service organization that has made a long-term commitment to every individual directly impacted by the events of September 11, 2001. Tuesday’s Champions provides a wide range of programs including wellness, educational and career guidance, leadership training, family communication and life-management programs all designed to address the needs of Rescue and Recovery workers and Responders. For more information, please contact Nancy, Program Coordinator of Tuesday’s Champions at 516-562-9000 or email nancy@tuesdayschildren.org.

Walk-in Legal Clinics Offered by WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program at Mount SinaiAll 9/11 responders are encouraged to register to protect their right to file for future Workers’ Compensation benefits. Whether or not you have already filed a claim, whether you are sick or well, everyone is encouraged to file in case you get sick in the future. The WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program at Mount Sinai is offering free walk-in legal clinics for assistance in filling out the WTC-12 form. Location for legal clinics will be determined and announced. For more information, call (212) 241-6307, or (888) 702-0630, or visit www.wtcexams.org.

LifeNet (NYC)If you or someone you know in the New York City area is suffering with emotional or substance abuse problems, LifeNet can help. LifeNet counselors are available, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and speak a variety of languages. LifeNet is a program of the Mental Health Association of NYC, Inc. To learn more about LifeNet click here. You can reach LifeNet by calling any one of the toll-free, anonymous hotlines:

(800) LifeNet (800) 543-3638 (English)

(877) Ayudese (877) 298-3373 (Spanish)

(877) 990-8585 (Asian LifeNet)

(212) 982-5284 (TTY)

For information about nationally available mental health support outside of New York State, click here.

Contact Us

Online

By Phone

General information: 212-575-1878

Families of September 11 (FOS11) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by families of those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks. Membership is open to anyone affected by the events of September 11, 2001. More than 2,400 people worldwide have chosen to join us.

Families of September 11 is an accredited charity and is a member of the Seal Program, which indicates that our organization has met the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. For more information about the Standards, please visit the BBB of Metro New York's website at http://www.newyork.bbb.org/.

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